A/N: I have nothing to say I’m sleepy lol. Very minimal proof reading. I hope you enjoy 🫶🏼 leave live reacts, comments and any suggestions that you have!!
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Paige would be lying if she said she wasn’t sick to her stomach lying next to her girlfriend right now. The warmth of Azzi’s body should have been comforting, grounding like usual—but instead, it only fueled the unease twisting inside her. For the past four days, she had woken up alone, the sheets cold beside her, Azzi nowhere to be found. The first few times, she’d call, voice still thick with sleep, confusion laced in her words as she tried to figure out where her girl was. But each time, Azzi had given her some vague response about where she was.
At first, Paige had believed her, of course she did, it was Azzi. But the more she thought about it, the excuses never quite made sense. Not with the way Azzi avoided eye contact afterward, not with the way she brushed off Paige’s questions as if she was overthinking things.
By the third morning, Paige stopped asking. Stopped calling. Instead, she let the silence stretch between them until Azzi reached out, a quiet attempt at self-preservation. But now, lying beside Azzi, she couldn’t keep the words down anymore.
Azzi was here—warm, close, and wrapped around her like nothing was wrong. But Paige couldn’t ignore the gnawing feeling in her gut, couldn’t pretend she didn’t notice the distance in Azzi’s tone in an attempt to avoid Paige’s questions. So she swallowed the hesitation clogging in her throat and finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Where do you go in the morning Az?”
Azzi stirred slightly, her body heavy with exhaustion from practice as she barely registered Paige’s tone. She nuzzled closer against Paige’s side, her face buried against her shoulder, completely oblivious to the storm of questions raging in her girlfriend’s brain.
“Don’t worry about it, baby, go to bed.” Azzi mumbled, her words thick with sleep.
Paige tensed. “What do you mean, don’t worry about it?”
Azzi let out a breath, her hand lifting sluggishly to Paige’s jaw, fingertips grazing her skin in an attempt to soothe her to sleep. She sighed, her voice barely audible now. “Nothing,” she mumbled, already slipping further into unconsciousness.
Paige exhaled slowly, staring at the ceiling. Azzi wasn’t even awake enough to realize how much her answer—or lack thereof—was eating her alive.
There was nothing Paige could do. Not tonight. So she took another slow, measured breath, forcing herself to close her eyes. Even if sleep felt impossible, which it was for most of the night.
The next morning, Paige woke up alone in Azzi’s bed. Again.
She stared at the empty space beside her, her throat tightening as tears welled in her eyes—but she blinked them away. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to get up. She brushed her teeth, grabbed her phone and her bag, and left without another thought, heading for her suite.
When she walked in, Ice and Jana were sprawled on the couch in the common area. They both glanced up as Paige wordlessly dropped into the chair across from them, her body sinking into the cushions like all the energy had been drained from her.
Ice arched her eyebrow, tilting her head. “Who shat in your cereal?”
Paige slumped further into the chair, running a hand over her face before mumbling, “I think Azzi’s cheating on me.”
Jana and Ice burst out laughing almost immediately.
“You gotta be trolling,” Jana said, shaking her head.
Ice added, “Yeah, and I think the sky’s purple. We can be delusional together.”
The two of them laughed again, fully entertained by the absurdity of the idea—until they noticed Paige wasn’t laughing with them. She just sat there, lips pressed into a tight line, fingers playing with the ring on her finger.
The laughter died down and Ice leaned forward, her expression turning serious. “Paige bro, please be serious.”
Paige met her gaze. “I am.”
Ice blinked at her, still trying to process Paige’s words. “There’s literally no way Azzi is cheating on you.”
Paige exhaled, shaking her head. “She’s been gone every morning this week when I wake up and she turned off her location for everyone.”
Jana and Ice exchanged a look but still didn’t seem convinced.
Ice shrugged. “Okay… yeah, that’s a tiny bit weird. But come on—we’re talking about Azzi Fudd here. The same Azzi that is probably the textbook definition of down bad when it comes to you.”
Paige didn’t respond. Their words were supposed to be reassuring, but they did little to ease all the questions in her head. She leaned back in the chair, absentmindedly twisting the ring on her finger, her thoughts spiraling.
Ice and Jana sighed in unison before giving each other a look. Without a word, Jana pulled out her phone and started dialing.
Paige frowned. “Who are you calling?”
Jana didn’t answer. Instead, she pressed speaker as the call connected.
“Hello?” Caroline’s voice came through, sounding slightly confused.
Jana didn’t waste time. “What the hell is Azzi doing?”
There was a pause on the other end.
“Huh?” Caroline genuinely sounded completely lost.
Jana didn’t hesitate in adding. “Paige thinks Azzi is cheating on her.”
There was a loud what?! in the background, followed by clatter—something dropping, then frantic shuffling.
A second later, Azzi’s voice cut through the speaker, calmer this time. “What did you just say?”
Jana glanced at Paige, silently asking if she should keep going. Paige quickly shook her head, eyes wide, mouthing no.
But Ice ignored her. “Paige thinks you’re cheating on her.”
There was a beat of silence.
“Where’d you hear that?” Azzi asked.
“From Paige,” Ice answered bluntly. “She’s sitting right here actually.”
Paige groaned, sinking further into the chair as she dragged her hands down her face. She could feel Azzi’s reaction through the phone, even without seeing her.
Azzi exhaled sharply. “Give her the phone.”
Jana handed Paige the phone, and she took it off speaker, pressing it against her ear.
“Hello,” she said, her voice quiet.
There was a pause on the other end before Azzi spoke. “Baby, what’s going on?”
Paige swallowed, shifting in her seat. “Nothing.”
“What?” Paige responded. There was a distance in her tone that Azzi immediately picked up on.
“Are you seriously thinking I’d cheat on you?” Azzi asked, her voice softer now.
Paige stared at the floor, rolling the ring on her finger. “I don’t know what to think right now.”
Azzi was silent for a moment before saying, “Baby, come on.”
Paige closed her eyes at the nickname but didn’t respond.
Azzi exhaled. “Talk to me.”
Paige hesitated before finally saying, “You’ve been gone every morning this week.”
“And that makes you jump to the conclusion that I’m cheating?”
Paige’s grip on the phone tightened. “I don’t want to think that,” she admitted. “But you won’t tell me where you are without lying about it. What else am I supposed to think?”
Azzi let out a slow breath. “Paige… I promise you, I'm not cheating on you. I would never do that to you baby.”
“Then tell me,” Paige said, still distant.
There was a pause, and Azzi’s tone turned almost guilty. “I will. Just… not right now, okay?”
Paige nodded even though Azzi couldn’t see her. “Okay.”
“I have to go. I'm tired,” Paige interrupted. She wasn’t mad, she doesn’t know what she is, but she also didn’t want to keep going in circles.
Azzi hesitated, then said softly, “I love you.”
Paige closed her eyes for a second before saying. “I love you too.”
But when she hung up, the weight in her chest was still there.
Wordlessly, she tossed the phone back to Jana and stood up, not bothering to explain herself. She walked to her room, shutting the door quietly behind her.
When Paige got to her room, she didn’t bother with anything else. She pulled her phone out and set it to Do Not Disturb, the familiar action a small, automatic comfort. Then, without a second thought, she pulled off her hoodie and crawled into bed, burying herself under the covers as if they could shield her from everything.
On the other side of campus, Azzi was sitting with Caroline, surrounded by an array of balloons and flowers.
Azzi let out a frustrated sigh, throwing her head back against the wall. “Fuck, I didn’t think this through.”
Caroline raised an eyebrow. “I thought you guys were good. Why is she jumping to conclusions?”
Azzi shook her head, rubbing the back of her neck. “Her ex cheated on her,” she stated simply.
Caroline’s eyes widened. “Oh, shit.”
When Azzi didn’t say anything in return Caroline added, “I really thought she’d piece together you were doing something for her birthday.”
Azzi shook her head, letting out a long breath. “She doesn’t like her birthday. She probably doesn’t even know it’s tomorrow.”
Caroline nodded. “What do you want to do?”
Azzi grabbed her phone, unlocking it and scrolling to her and Paige’s messages. She paused when she saw that Paige’s phone was set to Do Not Disturb. A wave of frustration hit her as she stared at the screen for a moment.
She sighed, tossing the phone onto the floor. “Let’s just finish this. We’re almost done.”
Practice was the first time Paige and Azzi saw one another that day and Paige was doing everything in her power to keep her distance. She focused on the drills, moving mechanically–perfectly and stayed glued to KK’s side whenever possible.
Their only real interactions came in fleeting touches—quick hand slaps after a good play, a murmured "good pass" before moving on. Paige barely looked at Azzi, her focus trained on anything but the girl who had the ability to break her with a few words.
Even when Paige took a hard fall, landing awkwardly and grimacing as she reached for her lower back, she kept the wall up. Azzi was there in an instant, her hands outstretched, eyes scanning Paige with concern. Paige let her help her up.
Paige nodded, forcing out a small, “I’m good.” And then she was already walking away, putting space between them once again.
It wasn’t that Paige was mad at Azzi. Paige just didn’t know what to think, her thoughts were too scattered and her only solution to making sure they didn’t get anymore scattered was to be perfect in practice. She would talk to Azzi later if her girlfriend tried to.
Later that night Paige had been trying to force herself to sleep for some time now—she really had. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t stop thinking. She was confused. Her and Azzi had never even really argued, so none of her trains of thought made any sense. The silence in her room was suffocating, and the questions spun in her head faster than she could catch them.
She didn’t know how much time had passed when she heard a knock on the door. She chose not to respond, hoping it would go away, but the door creaked open anyway, and she knew it was Azzi.
Azzi shut the door quietly behind her, her eyes immediately finding the lump on Paige’s bed. She knew that Paige wasn’t asleep—she could never fall asleep on her side like that.
With a soft sigh, Azzi slipped off her hoodie and shoes before climbing into the bed beside Paige. She didn’t say anything at first, letting the silence linger, hoping maybe Paige would be the one to break it. But when the quiet stretched on, Azzi couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Baby,” Azzi said softly, her voice full of the weight she felt.
Paige, still tucked under the covers, murmured, “Hm?”
Azzi hesitated for a moment before asking, “Can you look at me, please?”
Paige slowly pulled the covers back from her head, her eyes shifting to Azzi. Her gaze held the same softness she always had for Azzi but there was a distance in it. Azzi let out a soft sigh when she saw the expression on Paige's face.
“I’m not Leah, Paige,” Azzi said. Her voice was tinged with frustration and a hint of hurt.
Paige blinked, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know that, Az.”
Azzi’s gaze softened, but the tension in her chest was still there. “I’m not cheating on you. I promise. You don’t need to worry about that.”
Paige just nodded, her emotions too tangled for her to find the right words.
Azzi leaned closer. “What do I need to do to prove it to you?”
Paige shook her head slightly, her gaze dropping. “You don’t need to prove anything to me. I’m fine.”
Azzi wasn't convinced. “You’re not.”
Paige opened her mouth to argue, but Azzi cut her off. “Did you or did you not tell Ice and Jana that you thought I was cheating?”
Paige let out a deep sigh, looking away for a moment before she spoke. “I was just talking, baby.”
Azzi shook her head slowly, her eyes serious. “No, Paige. You weren’t just talking. You were worried and that’s okay, but you have to talk to me about it…”
Paige opened her mouth, but the words didn’t come right away. She hesitated, her thoughts tangled up with her emotions. She licked her lips, her gaze steady on Azzi before she finally spoke. “I wouldn’t survive if you cheated on me.”
Azzi’s heart clenched at her words. Without thinking, she reached for Paige, gently cupping her face in her hands. “I Promise I’m not. I just need you to trust me. Like you’ve been doing since we met.”
“I’m serious, Azzi,” Paige whispered. She paused, gathering her thoughts, before continuing, “When I say I wouldn’t survive, I mean that...I—I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and I’ve... I feel like I’ve given you a part of me, and I don’t know what I would do if…”
Azzi didn’t let her finish. She couldn’t—not when she saw the way Paige’s eyes glistened, the way her voice wavered.
“Paige,” Azzi murmured, her thumbs gently brushing against her cheeks. “Baby, look at me.”
Paige blinked rapidly, her throat working as she tried to steady herself.
“I know what you’re trying to say,” Azzi said, her voice softer now, more certain. “And I need you to hear me when I tell you that you will never have to find out what that feels like.”
Paige’s jaw tensed, her lips pressing together, but she didn’t pull away. Azzi took it as permission to keep going.
“I know what it’s like to give someone a part of you, because I’ve given you a piece of me.” Azzi said, her hands still cradling Paige’s face, grounding her. “And I know how terrifying that is. But, baby, I’m holding what you gave me with everything I have. I swear to you, I would never break you like that.”
Paige exhaled shakily, her hands lifting to rest over Azzi’s. Her fingers curled around Azzi’s wrists, holding onto her like she needed to feel the promise in her words.
“I love you Paige Madison,” Azzi whispered, leaning in until their foreheads touched. “More than anything, more than I ever thought I could love someone. And I need you to believe me when I say that you don’t have to be scared of me hurting you.”
Paige let out a breath, a small, broken sound, before she nodded. It wasn’t immediate, and it wasn’t all at once, but Azzi felt the shift. The walls Paige had built out of fear the last few days weren’t down completely, but they were cracking, letting Azzi in.
“I love you too,” Paige whispered, her voice a little steadier now.
Azzi kissed her forehead, lingering there for a moment before wrapping her arms around Paige, pulling her into her chest.
The two of them laid silently like that for a while. Azzi’s words linger as Paige allows them to untangle all of the thoughts in her head.
After a while Azzi breaks the silence with a small smile on her face. “Damn, you really love me, huh?”
Paige groaned, closing her eyes as if she could physically block out Azzi’s teasing. “Azzi.”
“What? You basically admitted that you wouldn’t survive without me.” Azzi smirked. “Kinda obsessed, don’t ya think?”
Paige let out a soft huff, but Azzi didn’t miss the way her lips twitched, like she was fighting a smile. “Shut up.”
Azzi chuckled, pressing a lingering kiss to Paige’s forehead. “You love me.”
Paige sighed dramatically, finally opening her eyes again. “Unfortunately.”
Azzi gasped. “Unfortunately?”
“Yeah. ‘Cause now I’m stuck with you.”
Azzi grinned, rolling onto her back and tugging Paige with her so she was resting against her chest. “You sure are”
Paige let herself relax, listening to the steady rhythm of Azzi’s heartbeat beneath her ear. The tension from earlier wasn’t completely gone, but it had eased into something lighter.
After a beat of silence, Paige mumbled, “You should’ve just told me if you wanted to have a secret girlfriend.”
Azzi laughed, shaking her head. “Shut up. I just can’t ruin the surprise.”
Paige furrowed her brows, lifting her head slightly. “Surprise?”
Azzi’s body went still for half a second before she quickly recovered, shrugging. “Nothing.”
Paige narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Azzi.”
Azzi looked away dramatically. “Wow, look at the time. We should get some rest, it's pretty late.”
Paige huffed but let it go, settling back against her. “Fine.”
Azzi smiled to herself, tightening her arms around Paige. “Goodnight, stalker.”
Paige pinched her side, making Azzi yelp. “Goodnight, princess.”
Azzi chuckled, pressing one last kiss into Paige’s hair before they both let their eyes drift shut.
The next morning Paige stirred against the warmth beneath her, her face buried against soft skin as she slowly drifted toward consciousness. She barely registered the gentle weight of a hand resting on her shoulder, fingers absentmindedly tracing over her back. A quiet sigh left her lips when she realized Azzi was still here. She shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent.
Azzi chuckled softly, setting her phone down and glancing down at Paige with a smile. “Good morning, birthday girl.”
Paige let out a low grumble, her forehead pressing against Azzi’s thigh as she squeezed her eyes shut. “S’too early for allat,” she mumbled, her voice still raspy from sleep.
Azzi raised an eyebrow, running her fingers through Paige’s hair. “Too early for your own birthday?”
Paige frowned slightly, still half-asleep, before cracking one eye open in confusion. She blinked up at Azzi, her mind sluggishly catching up. “…Wait.”
Azzi’s smile widened. “Yeah, genius. It’s your birthday.”
Paige let out another groggy noise, her face pressing back into Azzi’s lap like she could hide from the realization. “Mmm. Five more minutes.”
Azzi laughed, shaking her head as she gently tugged at Paige’s arm. “Nope, no hiding. You’re officially the birthday girl, and I’m officially on annoying girlfriend duty.”
Paige groaned dramatically, but there was no real protest as Azzi leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head. “Happy birthday, baby.”
A small smile tugged at Paige’s lips. “Mmm. Now a kiss, I wouldn’t mind.”
“You have morning breath.”
Paige scoffed, eyes finally opening fully as she shifted to look up at Azzi. “That’s never stopped you before… If I remember correctly, there was this one time where you were begging me to—”
Azzi immediately cut her off with an eye roll, already knowing exactly where she was going. “Okay, okay, that’s enough.”
Paige pouted dramatically when Azzi still didn’t give her a kiss. “I thought it was supposed to be my birthday or something.”
Azzi let out an exasperated sigh but couldn’t hide her smile as she shifted, adjusting so she could comfortably lean down. “You’re annoying,” she mumbled before pressing her lips against Paige’s.
The kiss started slowly—the kind that made Paige melt further into Azzi’s lap. Azzi’s hand slid up, cupping Paige’s jaw, her thumb tracing the edge of her cheek as she deepened the kiss just slightly. Paige responded, tilting her head, her fingers curling around Azzi’s wrist to keep her close.
Azzi hummed against her lips, letting the kiss stretch longer than she intended. It was too easy to lose herself in the warmth of Paige, in the way her lips moved against her own. Paige let out a quiet sigh, her other hand gripping at Azzi’s thigh.
When Azzi finally pulled back, just enough to catch her breath, she smirked down at Paige. “Satisfied now, birthday girl?”
Paige’s lips were still parted, her eyes half-lidded as she took a second to process. Then, with a grin, she muttered, “That’s more like it.”
Azzi rolled her eyes. She let her fingers brush lazily through Paige’s hair for a few more moments to give her some time to fully wake up before shifting beneath her and saying, “Alright, time to get up.”
Paige barely reacted at first, her eyes still half-lidded as she remained comfortably curled up against Azzi. But then the words actually registered, and she blinked up at Azzi like she had lost her mind. “What?”
Azzi smirked, tapping her shoulder. “You heard me. Get up.”
Paige groaned dramatically, burying her face back into Azzi’s stomach. “Why can’t we just stay in bed all day? My back still hurts.”
Azzi’s smirk faded, her brows knitting together. She immediately sat up a little straighter. “Wait—are you serious?”
Paige hesitated for half a second, realizing too late that she had triggered Azzi’s worry. She let out another groan, knowing she couldn’t just brush it off now. “I’m okay,” she mumbled. “It’s just a little sore.”
Azzi narrowed her eyes, scanning Paige’s expression like she was trying to gauge if she was lying. Then, without warning, she grabbed a pillow and smacked Paige with it.
Paige let out a startled noise, sitting up with wide eyes. “What the hell?!”
“That’s for making me worry, idiot,” Azzi huffed, but there was clear relief in her voice.
Paige pouted, rubbing her head where the pillow had made an impact. “Abuse. On my birthday.”
Azzi rolled her eyes before tossing the pillow aside. “Yeah, yeah. Now get up.”
Paige grumbled as she got up heading for the bathroom. Azzi followed behind her.
Once they had both showered and brushed their teeth, Azzi now leaned against the dresser, her gaze trailing over Paige as she finished getting dressed. “You look too good.”
Paige laughed, tugging the sleeves of her orange hoodie over her hands. “I didn’t even do anything special.”
And she really didn’t. Just a hoodie and beige splatter jeans—simple. But to Azzi, Paige looked good in anything. Too good when she wasn’t in oversized sweats. Her hair was down, slightly tousled, and it only made things worse. Azzi sighed, reaching out to play with the ends of Paige’s hair between her fingers, mumbling something under her breath.
Paige smirked, catching the soft words. “What was that?” She stepped closer, tilting her head as she pulled Azzi in by the waist.
Azzi huffed, avoiding eye contact. “Can you at least put your hair up?”
Paige chuckled. “That’s what you want me to do, pretty?”
Azzi nodded, a little too quickly, and Paige shook her head with a quiet laugh. She reached for one of the hair ties on her wrist, gathering her hair and putting it into a low bun. Once she finished, she turned back to Azzi, raising an eyebrow. “How’s that?”
Azzi groaned, running a hand down her face.Because somehow, somehow, Paige still looked too good. Maybe even better. The bun was too perfect.
Paige chuckled, reaching out to tug playfully at Azzi’s jacket. “Doesn’t matter what I look like. You look better, baby.”
Azzi rolled her eyes, but the slight upturn of her lips gave her away. She had thrown on a brown set she’d just gotten from a Savage X Fenty ad—a cropped top that showed off her piercing, paired with matching sweats. A jacket was draped over her shoulders to keep herself warm, but Paige still caught glimpses of her toned stomach every time Azzi moved. To top it all off, she had on a pair of Paige’s shoes that matched perfectly.
Azzi didn’t bother to address Paige’s compliment, she just grabbed Paige’s hand, intertwining their fingers as she pulled her toward the door. Paige followed, but her brows furrowed slightly when they stepped into the common area, and it was completely empty. Considering they had today off, she had expected at least some of their teammates to be lounging around or causing chaos.
She glanced at Azzi. “Where is everyone?”
Azzi smiled, grabbing her keys from the counter. “I banned them from bothering you today.”
Paige laughed at that, amused but also silently wondering how long that ban would actually last. Their teammates weren’t exactly known for respecting personal space—especially on birthdays.
Azzi led them out, and as they walked toward the car, Paige instinctively veered toward the passenger side, only to watch in amusement as Azzi did the same. She stopped, giving Azzi a look as the other girl casually opened the door and slid inside.
Paige just shook her head, laughing under her breath as she got into the driver’s seat. “Passenger princess.”
Azzi shot her a glare, but the effect was ruined by the way she was already reaching for the seat heater and adjusting the radio.
When they got to the diner, Paige slid into the same side of the booth as Azzi, pressing up against her like it was second nature. Azzi just rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything, the small smile tugging at her lips giving away just how much she liked it.
Azzi picked up the menu, scanning it for options, but Paige didn’t even bother. Instead, she rested her chin on her hand and just stared at Azzi, watching her like she was the most interesting thing in the room.
Azzi didn’t look up as she spoke. “The answer to what you’re going to eat isn’t on my face Paige.”
Paige smirked. “I meannn…”
Azzi snorted, shaking her head. “I’m serious.”
Paige just shrugged. “You can order for me.”
Azzi finally looked at her, raising a brow. “I’m not your mother.”
Paige grinned. “You’re my girl.”
Azzi rolled her eyes again, but this time, a faint blush dusted her cheeks as she glanced back at the menu. “Whatever, idiot.”
When the waiter approached the table, Paige and Azzi were leaned in close, their forearms resting against the table as they talked. The space between them was practically nonexistent, their faces just inches apart as Paige whispered something that made Azzi bite back a smile.
The waiter hesitated for a second too long, eyes flickering between both of them as if she couldn’t decide which one to focus on..
Clearing her throat, the waiter straightened her notepad. “Hey! Welcome in. Are you guys ready to order?”
Azzi gave a polite smile, her voice smooth as she said, “Good morning. Yeah, we are.”
Paige smiled at how effortlessly charming Azzi could be, but instead of saying anything, she reached under the table, lightly tracing her fingers along Azzi’s leg. Azzi, already scanning the menu, didn’t even flinch.
“She’ll have the pancakes, her eggs scrambled with cheese, and a side of bacon—extra crispy,” Azzi said, eyes still on the menu.
Paige grinned, pleased with the order, but she wasn’t done bothering Azzi. She slid her hand up slightly, fingers toying with the hem of Azzi’s cropped top. Azzi casually smacked Paige’s hand away without even pausing.
The waiter blinked, caught between amusement and curiosity as she watched the interaction unfold.
“For me, the avocado toast with an extra egg, and a side of bacon and fruit,” Azzi said, as if nothing had happened. Paige, still being annoying, nudged their knees together, her smirk growing. Azzi sighed through her nose but kept her cool. “Two coffees please, one just black and the other with cream.”
The waiter nodded, scribbling down the order, though her gaze still flickered between both of them. Azzi had this quiet confidence about her, like she was used to being listened to. And the way they interacted, how effortlessly Azzi spoke for Paige and how easily Paige let her, it was enough to make anyone curious.
“Got it. I’ll, uh, get that in for you guys,” the waiter said quickly before scurrying off.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Paige tilted her head, still watching Azzi like she was the only thing in the room. “You see that? You made her nervous.”
Azzi scoffed, not even addressing Paige’s comment as she went back to the story she was telling Paige before the waiter came over.
When the waiter returned with their food a bit later, Azzi was now leaning in close, her lips just barely brushing against Paige’s ear as she whispered something. Whatever she said had Paige’s eyes slightly blown, her jaw tightening as she tried to keep her expression neutral. But Azzi knew better. She smirked against Paige’s skin, satisfied with the effect she had on her.
The waiter hesitated, clearing her throat as she carefully set the plates down. Azzi turned to her with a polite smile. “Thank you.”
Paige exhaled slowly, trying to pull herself back together as she finally looked up. The moment the waiter locked eyes with her, she froze. She hadn't actually seen Paige’s eyes last time—hadn’t realized just how beautiful and striking the shade of blue was. And paired with whatever intensity Paige was still carrying from Azzi’s words, it nearly knocked the air out of her.
“Th—” The waiter stumbled over her words but quickly recovered. “Th-there you go, enjoy.”
Paige swallowed, her voice slightly rough as she murmured, “Thank you.”
The sound of it, sent the poor waiter fumbling with the cream and sugar box she was holding. It tipped forward, teetering off the tray, and before she could react, Paige’s reflexes kicked in. She caught it.
Azzi let out a small chuckle, clearly amused.
The waiter, meanwhile, looked like she was about to pass out. “Oh my god, I am so sorry—”
“It’s fine,” Paige said, lips twitching slightly as she handed it back.
The waiter quickly nodded, backing away, clearly rattled. “R-right, okay, enjoy your food!” She practically rushed off after that.
Paige finally turned back to Azzi, who was watching her. “What?” Paige asked, reaching for her fork.
Azzi just shook her head, pretending to focus on her plate. “Nothing.”
Paige narrowed her eyes. “Azzi.”
Azzi finally looked up, smile growing. “You flustered her.”
Paige scoffed. “You flustered me.”
Azzi hummed, tilting her head slightly. “Exactly.” Then she picked up her fork, completely unbothered.
The two of them enjoyed their breakfast. Talking casually, Paige listened as Azzi talked about her classes and how excited she was for the season to pick up.
As the waiter returns with the check, she finds Paige and Azzi still seated close together, plates mostly empty. Azzi’s arm is draped lazily along the back of the booth behind Paige, her fingers tracing against her neck.
The waiter sets the check down and lets out a small laugh. “I have to say, you two are probably the most attractive couple I’ve ever seen in person. It’s actually kind of unfair.”
Paige smirks, sitting back slightly, but it’s Azzi who responds with a small laugh. “You’d be surprised about how often we hear that.”
The waiter chuckles. “I bet. What do you guys do, anyway? You look like models or something.”
Azzi shakes her head. “We play basketball.”
The waiter’s eyebrows raise in interest. “Oh, like for college?”
Azzi nods. “Yeah, UConn.”
The recognition is immediate. “Wait—UConn? Like, UConn UConn?”
Azzi grins. “The one and only.”
The waiter whistles. “Damn. No wonder you both look like that.” She glances between them again, eyes flickering over Paige, who just quirks a brow but stays quiet.
“Something like that,” Azzi says, clearly entertained.
The waiter shifts on her feet before hesitating. “Okay, so… this is probably super inappropriate, and I swear I don’t usually do this,” she says, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “But I have to ask because I’ll never get this opportunity again and I’ll probably regret it later if I don’t at least try—are you two looking for a third?”
Paige, mid-sip of her water, immediately chokes, coughing hard as she nearly knocks the glass over. Azzi’s amusement disappears. “Oh my god—baby, breathe,” she says, concern lacing her voice as she rubs Paige’s back. Paige tries to wave her off, but Azzi isn’t having it. She grabs Paige’s drink, checking how much is left to figure out how much she choked on before pushing it aside and reaching for a napkin.
Paige, still coughing, manages to wheeze out, “What—I—Azzi, what did she just say?”
Azzi exhales, shaking her head. “You good now?” she murmurs, still rubbing her back.
Paige, voice still a little hoarse, wipes her mouth and glares at Azzi when she feels her girlfriend’s body shaking with small laughter beside her. “Don’t,” Paige warns.
Azzi lets out a laugh once she realizes Paige is fine. She looks back at the waiter with a polite smile, “I respect it, but we’re good. Really.”
The waiter shrugs with a grin. “Had to shoot my shot.” She backs away with a smile. “Enjoy the rest of your day, birthday girl.”
Paige groans, rubbing her temples as Azzi leans in. “I mean… should I be flattered or jealous?”
Paige just huffs, shaking her head. “Get me out of here.”
As they pulled back onto campus, Paige was ready to head straight to the dorms, but when Azzi told her to drive to the gym instead, she shot her a confused look.
“I told them your back was sore, so you have the ice tub waiting for you.”
Paige groaned, letting her head fall back against the headrest. “Azzi, you know I hate those, bro.”
Azzi’s eyes narrowed. “One, don’t ‘bro’ me. And two, I don’t care.”
Paige turned to her, her lips pulling into a dramatic pout. “I thought you were supposed to be nice to me today.”
“I am,” Azzi replied. “I need you to have a good back for later.”
Paige raised a brow at that. “What’s later?”
Azzi just shrugged, staring out the window. “Whatever you want.”
Paige clenched her jaw, gripping the wheel a little tighter as she headed for the gym.
When they stepped into the locker room, both Paige and Azzi quickly stripped out of their clothes, swapping them for sports bras and spandex. Paige stretched her arms over her head, rolling her shoulders with a slight wince, which, of course, Azzi noticed immediately.
“You sure it’s just sore?” Azzi asked.
Paige sighed, already knowing Azzi wouldn’t drop it. “Yes, mom. Just sore.”
Azzi narrowed her eyes. “Keep calling me that and see what happens.”
Paige smirked. “Oh? And what’s gonna happen?”
Azzi only raised a brow, saying nothing as she grabbed her phone and started heading toward the training room. Paige followed, falling into step beside her.
After a second, Azzi glanced at her. “So, what’s your ideal birthday?”
Paige thought about it for a second before shrugging. “I mean… I don’t really care that much. I like spending time with people I like, eating good food…chillin.”
Azzi hummed. “So basically what we’ve been doing today.”
Paige grinned. “Exactly.”
Azzi shook her head with a small smile. “You’re easy to please.”
Paige bumped her shoulder against Azzi’s. “You already knew that.”
Paige eased herself into the ice bath, a sharp groan escaping her lips as the cold water bit at her skin. She tensed immediately, her muscles instinctively trying to reject the freezing temperature before she forced herself to settle. After a few moments, she exhaled and relaxed into the tub.
Azzi, however, remained outside of it, perched on the edge.
Paige glanced up at her, brows furrowing. “Why aren’t you coming in?”
Azzi shrugged. “I’m fine. You’re the one with the sore back.”
Azzi smiled, tilting her head slightly. “Because I figured you’d beg me to get in eventually.”
Paige scoffed, a slow grin creeping onto her face. “So let’s just get it over with.”
Azzi sighed, shaking her head, but set her phone down and stood. “You’re annoying,” she muttered, but there was no real bite behind her words.
Paige watched as Azzi stepped onto the first submerged step, her body immediately tensing at the temperature. She inhaled sharply through her nose.
“This is awful,” Azzi muttered, her entire expression contorted in discomfort.
Paige chuckled, shifting slightly in the water. “C’mon, tough girl. It’s not that bad.”
Azzi glared at her as she took another step, the water creeping up her legs. “Says the one who was groaning like she got stabbed two seconds ago.”
Paige smirked. “You were listening that closely?”
Azzi rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the small smile on her lips. She continued lowering herself into the bath, until she was finally settled in front of Paige. She watched Paige with quiet curiosity as she reached for a hair tie resting on the edge of the pool. Without a word, Paige lifted her hands, still damp from the water, and gathered Azzi’s curls, gently twisting them into a bun. Her fingers moved with a familiar ease, securing the tie in place before letting her hands linger for a moment.
Paige smirked. “Just figured you’d complain about it getting wet.”
Azzi scoffed, tilting her head slightly as a few curls escaped, still framing her face. “I don’t complain that much.”
Paige hummed in amusement, dragging her fingers along Azzi’s arm under the water. “Mmm, sure.”
Azzi rolled her eyes again but leaned into Paige’s touch, letting her hands momentarily distract from the icy temperature surrounding them. “You’re lucky I like you.”
Azzi felt Paige’s gentle but insistent pull, her body naturally following the motion. “What are you doing?” she asked, voice dipping with suspicion.
Paige barely lifted her head. “Kissing my girl,” she mumbled, and before Azzi could think of a response, Paige was pressing their mouths together.
Azzi allowed herself to melt into the kiss, her hands instinctively finding Paige’s forearms under the water. The chill of the ice bath was a stark contrast to the heat building between them as Paige’s tongue swiped over her lips, silently asking for entrance. Azzi parted them, letting Paige deepen the kiss, her fingers curling slightly against Paige’s skin.
But just as Paige was about to pull her closer, Azzi broke away, her breath slightly uneven. “We’re not supposed to be making out in the ice bath,” she whispered, though she made no effort to move back.
Paige tilted her head. “Who made that rule up?”
Azzi opened her mouth, but no answer came. She frowned, realizing she didn’t actually have one.
Paige smirked, her grip on Azzi tightening just a little. “Exactly.”
Azzi let out a soft laugh against Paige’s lips but didn’t resist when Paige pulled her back in for another kiss. This time, it was slower—controlled—but it didn’t take long for Paige to push it further, her hands trailing along Azzi’s sides under the water.
Azzi chuckled against her mouth, sensing where this was going. “Paige—”
But Paige ignored her, tilting her head and pressing hot, lingering kisses along Azzi’s neck. “I can’t help it,” she murmured between kisses, her lips brushing against Azzi’s skin. “You’re too sexy. Look good all the time. You got that sexy bun in and everything.”
Azzi felt a shiver run down her spine, despite the chill around them. She tried to keep her composure, but it was hard with Paige’s lips trailing down her neck, leaving soft marks. Azzi chuckled softly, trying to focus. "We’re literally in a tub of ice, Paige," she said.
Paige hummed in response, unbothered. "Exactly, gotta keep us warm." She let her lips move lower, brushing against Azzi’s collarbone. Azzi's breath hitched, betraying her resolve to keep it light.
Paige wasn’t rushing. She marked Azzi’s skin slowly, savoring the moment, but Azzi could tell she was toying with her. The way Paige murmured against her skin, telling her how beautiful she looked, how good she always looked—it made Azzi’s pulse quicken despite the ice bath.
Azzi tried to resist, but she could feel her resolve slipping with each soft kiss, each gentle swipe of Paige’s tongue. Her head tipped back slightly, giving Paige better access as she surrendered to the moment and tangled her wet hands in Paige’s hair. But despite how good it felt, the awareness of their surroundings began to creep in.
Azzi listened for a moment, hearing the distant sound of footsteps, voices echoing down the hall. She pulled back just enough to meet Paige’s gaze. "I don’t want anyone to walk in, baby."
Paige’s lips curled into a smirk, but there was a flicker of understanding behind her eyes. She sighed dramatically, releasing Azzi’s waist but not fully letting go of her. “You’re no fun, you know that?”
Azzi laughed, brushing a few strands of hair out of Paige’s face. “I just don’t want us getting caught in here looking like... well, like this. Basically a free show.”
Paige relented and the two of them sat next to one another for a few minutes until the timer went off.
Once they were done the two of them walked out of the training room, slipping down the hallway toward the locker room.
When they arrived, they noticed something was off—the lights were out, the hallway eerily quiet. Paige furrowed her brow, glancing at Azzi. “What’s going on?”
Before either of them could reach for the door, it swung open suddenly with a loud crash, and the lights flashed on. The team erupted from the darkness, jumping out from their hiding spots with a chorus of “Happy Birthday!”
Paige froze, her eyes wide, her heart skipping a beat at the loudness. She stood there, stunned for a moment, before a grin spread across her face.
The team cheered again, clapping and hollering as they rushed forward to surround Paige. “Happy Birthday, P Boogers!” KK shouted, pulling Paige into a big hug.
“Surprise!” Ice added, tossing a small confetti popper into the air.
Paige laughed, clearly touched by the gesture.
Jana handed her a small cake, and Ayanna placed a birthday crown on her head. “We couldn’t let you get away without a proper celebration.”
Paige looked over at Azzi, catching her eye. "You helped plan this, didn't you?" Paige asked.
Azzi just shrugged. "Maybe."
Paige rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop smiling as the team continued to “bother” her with pictures and singing.
After spending time in the locker room, laughing and joking with the team as they celebrated her birthday, Paige finally leaned back against her locker, feeling warm. The day had been unexpectedly perfect, and she was grateful for everyone who had put it together—including Azzi, who had been quietly watching her the entire time.
Just as Paige was about to sink further into the moment, Azzi nudged her side. “Alright, it’s time to go.”
Paige turned her head, raising an eyebrow. “Go where?”
Azzi just smirked, standing up and grabbing her phone. “Don’t worry about it.”
Paige narrowed her eyes. “Azzi—”
“Nope,” Azzi cut her off. “Just trust me.”
Paige exhaled, giving her a look. “I don’t like surprises.”
Azzi huffed out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah. You’ll like this one.”
Paige studied her for a moment, trying to read her expression, but Azzi just held out her hand. With a sigh, Paige finally took it, letting Azzi pull her to her feet. “This better not be some weird conditioning session disguised as a birthday gift,” Paige mumbled.
Azzi grinned. “That would be funny, but no.”
Paige rolled her eyes but didn’t fight it as Azzi led her out of the locker room.
When Azzi pulled up to a building Paige had never seen before, she frowned, glancing out the window in confusion. The area was unfamiliar, and that alone had her on edge.
Azzi shifted beside her, pulling something from her bag. “Alright,” she said, holding up a black blindfold. “Do you trust me?”
Paige looked at her suspiciously, eyeing the blindfold. “You’re not trying to kill me, right?”
Azzi burst out laughing, shaking her head. “No, baby. I promise.”
Paige still hesitated, glancing between the blindfold and Azzi’s expression. “Then why do I need to be blindfolded?”
Azzi pouted. “Because it’s a surprise. Please, baby?” Her voice softened, taking on that tone she always used when she wanted something from Paige.
Paige exhaled, fighting the urge to roll her eyes, but when Azzi tilted her head just a little, still pouting, she sighed in defeat. “Fine,” she mumbled.
Azzi grinned, stepping behind her to gently tie the blindfold over her eyes. “Good girl,” she whispered, adjusting the knot.
Paige huffed. “I swear, Azzi, if this is some elaborate prank—”
“It’s not,” Azzi reassured her, placing a quick kiss on her jaw. “Now, come on.”
Paige swallowed, her senses already heightened now that she couldn’t see. She let Azzi take her hand, feeling the warmth of her palm, and allowed herself to be led forward, the anticipation building with every step.
Azzi guided Paige carefully up a short flight of steps.
“Almost there,” Azzi whispered, her voice close to Paige’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
When they finally stopped, Paige tilted her head as a soft, familiar melody filled the room. Her ears perked up instantly. “Is that SZA?” she asked.
Azzi chuckled. “Of course.”
Paige bit her lip, curiosity rising as she tried to pick up on more details. The air smelled subtly of something sweet—maybe vanilla—and there was a warmth to the space, a coziness that made her relax despite not knowing where she was.
Azzi adjusted her hands on Paige’s hips. “Stand still for me,” she instructed.
Paige huffed out a laugh but didn’t move. “You always bossing me around.”
Azzi smirked, stepping around her to make sure she was positioned exactly how she wanted. “And you always listen.”
Paige muttered, “Whatever,” under her breath.
Azzi stepped in behind her, pressing close as she whispered, “Close your eyes.”
Paige scoffed. “I literally have on a blindfold.”
“Shut up and close them,” Azzi shot back as she reached up to untie the fabric. She tugged it off smoothly and tossed it to the side before resting her hands lightly on Paige’s shoulders. “Okay, open.”
Paige blinked her eyes open, and for the first time in a long time, she was almost speechless.
The room was softly lit with candles, a warm glow reflecting off the scattered white and purple rose petals forming a trail across the floor. Light purple balloons floated gently, filling the space but not overwhelming it.
At the end of the petal-lined path, a small table sat illuminated by a candle, its soft glow dancing across the surface.
Paige exhaled, glancing over at Azzi, who was watching her reaction carefully, a small smile tugging at her lips. Paige swallowed, her voice quieter than usual. “Azzi…”
Azzi watched Paige closely, her expression softening. “Do you like it?”
Paige turned to her, eyes still flickering around the room in awe. “I love it, baby. But—how did you? When did you—?”
Azzi smiled, shrugging casually. “Every morning this week.”
Paige’s stomach twisted. The realization hit her hard. All those mornings she spent overthinking, spiraling in her head, convinced Azzi was being distant, convinced she was—“Fuck, Az, I’m so sorry,” Paige muttered, guilt pressing down on her chest. “I didn’t—”
Azzi shook her head, stepping closer. “You don’t need to apologize, baby.”
Paige clenched her jaw, looking away. She still felt bad. Really bad. She had been so wrapped up in her own insecurities, so convinced Azzi was pulling away, when in reality—Azzi had been here. Doing this.
Azzi saw it all over her face. “Paige.” She reached for her, slipping her arms around Paige’s waist. “Stop. I wanted to do this for you.”
Paige exhaled shakily, hands settling on Azzi’s hips. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Shut up,” Azzi mumbled, pressing a kiss to Paige’s jaw. “Come on.”
Azzi grabbed Paige’s hand, pulling her toward the table just as a private caterer placed their food down. Paige’s brows lifted in surprise, watching as the dishes were set in front of them.
When she looked down at her plate, a laugh escaped her. It was simple—exactly the kind of meal she liked. Nothing overly fancy or extravagant, just good food that she would actually enjoy.
Azzi smirked. “What? You thought I was gonna have them bring out some five-star, Michelin-style meal with ingredients you can’t pronounce?”
Paige grinned as she sat down, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t put it past you.”
Azzi sat across from her, reaching for her fork. “I know you, baby,” she said, eyes flickering up to meet Paige’s. “I wasn’t about to have you sitting here picking at your food all night.”
Paige exhaled, a warmth spreading in her chest as she looked at Azzi. “You really thought of everything, huh?”
As they ate, Paige’s eyes kept drifting around the room, taking in every little detail—every petal, every candle, every soft touch that Azzi had so carefully put together. The guilt gnawed at her again, heavier this time.
She set her fork down, exhaling. “Az, I’m really sorry,” she mumbled, shaking her head. “I feel like an ass.”
With a small sigh, Azzi stood up, adjusting her chair so she was right next to Paige. Once she was settled, she leaned in, voice dropping to a soft whisper. “Stop apologizing, baby.”
Before Paige could say anything else, Azzi’s fingers curled around her jaw, tilting her face toward her. She searched Paige’s eyes for a moment, before pulling her into a slow kiss.
Paige melted instantly, her hand resting on Azzi’s thigh as she sighed into the kiss. When Azzi pulled away, she ran her thumb over Paige’s bottom lip, smirking. “Just enjoy your night, okay?”
Paige swallowed, dazed. “Okay,” she murmured.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, slipping between them teasing each other like they had been best friends for years and more genuine moments. The whole time, Azzi’s foot was lazily running up and down Paige’s leg.
“You really did all this by yourself?” Paige asked, glancing around again in disbelief.
Azzi smiled. “Well, I had some help from Caroline setting up the table and everything, but yeah. Every morning this week, like I said.”
Paige shook her head, setting her fork down for a moment. “I don’t even know what to say.”
Azzi grinned. “That’s a first.”
Paige rolled her eyes. “Shut up.”
Azzi just chuckled, leaning back slightly. “I wanted to do something special for you, baby. You do so much for everyone else all the time. I wanted to make sure you felt special today.”
Paige felt something stir in her chest at Azzi’s words, a warmth settling in her stomach. She looked down at her plate, taking another bite instead of answering right away.
Azzi’s foot brushed against her calf again, but Paige didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, she hummed. “You’re really out here setting the bar too high. What am I supposed to do for your birthday?”
“You’ve got a little time to figure it out.”
Paige shook her head with a small smile. “Yeah. But I don’t think I can top this.”
Azzi shrugged. “You don’t have to top anything. Just being with you is enough.”
Paige held her gaze for a moment before laughing softly. “You’re corny.”
“That’s ironic coming from you.”
Paige scoffed. “I’m not corny.”
Azzi gave her a look, tilting her head slightly to the side, her expression making it clear she wasn’t buying it. Paige just smirked, refusing to argue.
She looked away for a second, but when her eyes found Azzi again, her breath caught slightly. Azzi had that look—the one that always made Paige’s pulse race. Her lips were caught between her teeth, her gaze locked onto Paige.
Paige swallowed, keeping her expression neutral. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Azzi’s smirk grew as her foot traced a lazy path up and down Paige’s leg beneath the table. “Like what?”
Azzi hummed, taking a long sip as she finished off her wine, fingers tapping lightly against the glass. “Maybe I just like looking at my girlfriend.”
Paige arched an eyebrow. “Is that all?”
Azzi shrugged, dragging her foot just a little higher before settling again. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Paige smirked, leaning back in her chair, but her eyes never left Azzi’s.
Azzi tilted her head slightly, her gaze not leaving Paige’s, a clear challenge now simmering between them.
Azzi leaned forward, her chin resting lightly on her palm as she watched Paige with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
Paige’s smirk only deepened. She slowly licked her lips, the movement deliberate, drawing Azzi’s focus.
They continued their silent exchange, neither willing to break the stare. Paige could feel the heat building in the pit of her stomach, the playful game they were playing taking on an entirely different edge.
Paige finally broke the silence, her voice low. “You think you can win this, huh?”
Azzi’s smile formed slowly. “I don’t think I’m losing.”
Paige's pupils grew slightly. "You forgetting, I usually have you begging by the end of the night, Az?”
Azzi’s lips curved into a smile, leaning forward just enough to close the space between them. "You forgetting I can get you off without touching you Paige?" Her tone was a mixture of playful arrogance and something more seductive.
Paige’s breath caught for a moment, her heart rate quickening.
Paige stood up suddenly, her chair scraping against the floor just enough to break the lingering tension in the air. Without saying a word, she made her way toward the door. Azzi pushed herself up from her seat with a smooth, almost predatory grace, and followed Paige out without another word.
Azzi was itching to get them back to the dorms, her heart racing in anticipation, but as she slid into the driver’s seat, her grip tightened around the steering wheel. Despite the urgent desire gnawing at her, she couldn’t help but slow her pace, taking her time on the road.
When they got upstairs Azzi watched Paige with a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. The way Paige moved wasn't like her usual fire. Normally, the heat between them would have ignited as soon as they entered the room, but tonight, Paige was different. The calmness was unnerving in a way Azzi wasn’t used to, and she felt the weight of it settle on her chest.
She locked the door behind her, her movements slower than usual, before following Paige to her room. As she entered the room and shut the door behind her, she glanced at Paige, standing at the foot of her bed, hands in her pockets. Azzi felt the air between them shift, and she hesitated for a moment, unsure of what this new version of Paige meant. Her stomach twisted slightly, the uncertainty gnawing at her.
“Why the calm act?” Azzi asked, her voice quieter than usual, but laced with a hint of nervousness. She could feel herself second-guessing, unsure whether Paige was in control or if she was.
Paige’s lips curled into that faint, unreadable smile as she sat down and patted her lap. “Come here, baby.”
Azzi hesitated for just a second, not out of reluctance, but because she started piecing together what Paige’s calmness meant. It wasn’t hesitation—it was patience. Control.
Still, Azzi listened, stepping forward until she was standing between Paige’s legs. Paige leaned back on her elbows, her gaze dragging over Azzi in a way that made Azzi’s stomach tighten.
Paige reached for Azzi’s hand and pulled her down onto her lap. Azzi adjusted automatically, settling against Paige as Paige shifted back, leaning back against the headboard. Paige’s hands slid to her waist, thumbs pressing just enough to make Azzi feel grounded—but not enough to distract from the way Paige was looking at her.
Paige tilted her head, studying her like she had all the time in the world. “You nervous, baby?”
Azzi scoffed. “I don’t get nervous.”
Paige hummed like she wasn’t convinced, her fingers drawing lazy circles on Azzi’s hip. “You sure?”
Azzi started to reply, but the words caught in her throat when Paige shifted beneath her, adjusting her so Azzi was straddling her fully now, their bodies pressed closer.
“That’s funny,” Paige whispered, her voice dropping lower. Her fingers slipped under Azzi’s jacket, teasing her skin. “Because you feel nervous to me.”
Azzi exhaled sharply, gripping Paige’s shoulders, grounding herself. “I’m not.”
Paige didn’t respond to that. Instead, she just looked at Azzi, her expression unreadable, and said, “Gimme a kiss.”
Azzi leaned down, capturing Paige’s lips in a kiss that was meant to be deep—but Paige had other plans.
Paige made sure the kiss was agonizingly slow, dragging it out in a way that forced Azzi to feel every second of it. Even though it was messy, there was no rush, no chance for Azzi to take control. Paige set the pace, tilting her head just enough to deepen it when she wanted, pulling back slightly when Azzi tried to push for more.
Azzi let out a quiet sound of frustration against Paige’s lips, her fingers tightening on her shoulders. Paige smirked into the kiss, her grip on Azzi’s waist tight, keeping her exactly where she wanted her.
“Relax, baby,” Paige mumbled against her lips before diving back in, keeping that same rhythm, making sure Azzi felt every ounce of control she wasn’t being given.
For the next twenty minutes, Paige kept the same slow pace, her lips moving against Azzi’s. There was no urgency, no desperation—just full control. Every time Azzi tried to speed it up, Paige would pull back slightly, tilting her chin up with a smirk before diving right back in.
Azzi’s fingers gripped Paige’s shoulders, her frustration evident in the way she tried to chase her lips. Paige just chuckled against her mouth, her hands rubbing slow circles on Azzi’s waist.
“You’re enjoying this too much,” Azzi murmured between kisses, her voice breathless.
Paige hummed, brushing her lips over Azzi’s again but not quite kissing her. “Maybe.”
Azzi huffed, shifting slightly in Paige’s lap, but Paige only tightened her grip, keeping her still.
“Patience, baby,” Paige whispered before kissing her again, deeper this time but still slow.
Azzi let out a quiet whine against Paige’s lips, and Paige felt the sound go straight through her.
“You’re killing me,” Azzi admitted, pulling back just enough to look at Paige.
Paige chuckled, her lips ghosting over Azzi’s. “What’s wrong?”
Azzi huffed, shifting in Paige’s lap, trying to press closer, to silently tell her exactly what she wanted. But Paige’s hands tightened around her hips, holding her in place.
Azzi’s eyes flickered with frustration as she tried again, but Paige didn’t budge.
Azzi exhaled sharply, her fingers digging into Paige’s shoulders. “Paige…”
Paige tilted her head slightly, her smirk growing. “Yeah?”
Azzi narrowed her eyes, but Paige could see the way her breath hitched, the way she was fighting to hold back another whine.
“Tell me,” Paige coaxed, pressing the faintest kiss to the corner of Azzi’s mouth before pulling back again.
Azzi swallowed hard, her voice quieter now. “I want more.”
Paige smirked against Azzi’s skin, placing slow, wet kisses along her neck, taking her time. “Like what?” she whispered between kisses.
Azzi’s breath hitched, her fingers tightening on Paige’s shoulders. “Anything,” she exhaled, barely above a whisper.
Paige hummed against her skin, letting the word hang between them.
“You sure?” Paige murmured, her lips brushing against Azzi’s pulse point.
Azzi let out a frustrated sigh, tilting her head back slightly hoping she would do something with the extra access. “Paige—”
Paige licks her lips before saying “Touch yourself Az.”
Azzi’s eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her face. Paige just smirked, tilting her head as she studied Azzi’s reaction.
“Trust me, baby,” Paige whispered, her fingers brushing soothing circles against Azzi’s waist.
Azzi hesitated for only a moment before nodding slowly, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the words. Paige smirked at that, satisfied.
“That’s my girl,” Paige whispered, pressing a wet kiss just below Azzi’s jaw.
Without any other directions she adjusts on Paige’s lap for a second. Slipping off her clothes and tossing them to the side before going back to straddling Paige.
Slowly, she started tracing her fingers through her folds, her touch barely there as she let herself explore.
Her eyes flicked to Paige’s, clear desire pooling in her brown eyes. “Like this?” she asked softly.
Paige’s smile deepened. She saw right through Azzi—knew she was putting on a show.
“Mm,” Paige hummed, pretending to consider it, her hands still resting lazily on Azzi’s waist. “You can go slower, baby.”
Azzi bit her lip, following Paige’s instruction, but Paige could see the flicker of impatience in her eyes.
“Good girl,” Paige praised. “Now, keep going.”
Azzi did as she was told. Tracing a few soft circles over her center as Paige watched. Azzi’s patience didn’t last long though. She was more than ready, she had been ready since the moment they stood up from the table. So she easily slides two fingers into herself, sighing softly at the feeling.
Paige doesn’t tear her eyes away from Azzi. Stuck between watching her fingers work and watching every reaction unfold on her face. Her grip on Azzi’s waist tightened just slightly. “Slow down,” she whispered. “You’re rushing mama.”
Azzi exhaled shakily, adjusting just like she was told, her movements becoming more deliberate as she pulled her fingers all the way out before pushing them back in letting out quiet whimpers. Paige watched closely, noting the way Azzi’s brows furrowed, the way her lips parted just slightly as she tried to stay in control.
“Good girl,” Paige praised softly, and she felt the way Azzi tensed in response. “See? You can follow directions when you want to.”
Azzi let out a quiet breath, her fingers still working inside of herself. Paige smirked. She could see the frustration already starting to build.
“Keep going,” Paige instructed, tilting her head back as she watched. “Nice and slow, mama. No need to rush.”
Azzi tried, she really did, but after another moment, she let out a small whimper, her movements faltering. Her head dropped onto Paige’s shoulder, her breathing uneven.
Azzi swallowed hard, shaking her head. She wasn’t sure she could put it into words how needy she was.
Paige hummed, dragging her hands up Azzi’s sides. “Tell me.”
Azzi clenched her jaw, tilting her head back slightly. “I can’t—”
“You can,” Paige corrected. “You just don’t want to.”
Azzi’s hands twitched as she sped up her movements, her breathing uneven as she let out a frustrated sigh. “Paige,” she whispered, almost pleading now.
Paige leaned in, her lips brushing just below Azzi’s ear as she whispered, “Keep going, baby. You’re doing so well for me.”
Azzi shuddered, her resolve slipping further. She adjusted her movements again, obeying, but this time there was no mistaking the slight tremor in her breathing, the way her body was betraying her patience.
Paige couldn’t get enough of this—the way Azzi’s eyes were hooded, the way her lips parted as soft sighs escaped her. And the best part? Paige hadn’t done anything yet. It reminded her of all those late-night phone calls, of the times she had Azzi like this just from her words alone.
A smirk tugged at Paige’s lips as the memory surfaced. “Remember when I used to talk you through it over the phone pretty?”
Azzi barely managed a nod, her breath catching slightly as she worked her fingers in and out of herself.
Paige hummed, dragging her fingers lazily up Azzi’s sides. “I used to tell you exactly what to do… tell you how pretty you sounded.”
A quiet whine left Azzi’s lips.
Paige smirked, knowing exactly what she was doing. “I remember the first time I heard you.” Her voice dropped even lower, a soft rasp threading through her words. “Swear I thought I was in heaven. Had never heard anything so pretty in my life.”
Azzi let out a shaky breath, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment.
Paige tilted her head, lips ghosting over Azzi’s jaw as she added, “You told me I talked too much.”
Azzi exhaled a breathy, “You do.”
Paige chuckled, pressing a wet kiss to Azzi’s neck. “You like it.”
Azzi nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “I do, baby.”
Paige smirked. “I know you do.”
Azzi exhaled, her body melting further into Paige’s touch.
“Bet you used to put me on speaker… lay back, close your eyes, just listening to me while you touched yourself.”
Azzi’s breath hitched slightly, her lashes fluttering. “Maybe.”
Paige chuckled, pressing another kiss just beneath Azzi’s ear. “Maybe?” she echoed, feigning surprise. “Baby, I know you did.”
Azzi let out a quiet whimper at that, and Paige could feel the way her hand flexed slightly against her shoulders, gripping onto her.
“You always got so quiet toward the end,” Paige mused. “Like you were trying to be good for me, but I could still hear it—the way your breathing would change… the little noises you couldn’t hold back while you fucked yourself to my voice.”
Azzi’s fingers dug into Paige’s shoulders just slightly. “Paige…”
Paige smirked. “What, baby?”
Azzi shook her head, her voice coming out breathier now. “You talk too much.”
Paige chuckled, her grip tightening slightly around Azzi’s waist. “Mmm, and, you hang onto every word.”
Paige grinned, her fingers grazing the nape of Azzi’s neck. “Make me.”
Azzi pulled Paige into a kiss, pressing down on her, trying to feel anything—anything more than this dull ache of needing Paige. Her own fingers weren't enough. Not anymore. She was too used to feeling Paige, the way she knew exactly how to unravel her. Anything else felt empty, unsatisfying.
Azzi pulled back, her breath coming in short, uneven pants as she met Paige’s eyes. “It’s not gonna work, baby. I need you.”
Paige’s expression didn’t change. She just blinked at her, head tilting slightly. “Hm?”
Maybe it was desperation, maybe it was the fact that they’d been at this for nearly an hour with no release—whatever it was, Azzi couldn’t take it anymore. She gripped the back of Paige’s neck, making sure she was listening. “It’s not enough. I need you to do it.”
Paige let the words linger between them, dragging her eyes over Azzi’s face, over the way her lips were parted, the way her pupils were blown wide. Slowly, Paige’s lips curled into a smirk.
“You need me to do what, baby?”
Azzi let out a small whimper, her fingers tightening against Paige’s skin. “Paige—”
Paige hummed in amusement, completely composed, completely in control. “I just wanna hear you say it.”
Azzi swallowed hard, pressing closer, her body begging Paige for mercy. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she finally gave in. “I need you to fuck me please baby.”
Paige’s hands, which had been resting innocently on Azzi’s waist, finally moved, dragging down just enough to make Azzi shudder. “That’s my girl,” Paige whispered. “All you had to do was ask.”
As soon as Paige replaces Azzi’s fingers with two of her own Azzi feels her stomach tighten as she throws her head back letting out a moan.
Azzi begins pushing herself against Paige’s hand grinding down against her jeans in a desperate attempt to feel more before she unravels. Paige notices and helps Azzi guide herself along her thigh as she pushes deeper into her.
The added pressure has Azzi whimpering near Paige’s ear as she holds her shoulders for leverage. She lets out a shaky breath, gripping the fabric of Paige’s hoodie as she pressed their foreheads together. “Your jeans…” she whispered, her voice uneven. “Don’t wanna mess them up.”
Paige let out a chuckle. “Fuck my jeans.”
Azzi exhaled sharply at that, her fingers tightening in Paige’s hoodie as she felt warmth pooling in her stomach. Paige just smiled, brushing her lips against Azzi’s jaw, her voice softer now. “Stop worrying about my clothes and make a mess on my lap like I know you want to pretty girl.”
At these words Azzi nods rapidly, her body letting go of the last bit of restraint as her legs start to shake against Paige. She lets out a series of moans as she releases against Paige’s hand riding out the feeling for as long as she can.
For a second Azzi kept her forehead resting against Paige’s shoulder, her breathing still uneven as she slowly came down. Paige pressed a lingering kiss to Azzi’s cheek before murmuring, “Lemme get up, baby.”
Azzi tightened her arms around Paige’s waist, shaking her head slightly. “We’re not done.”
Paige huffed out a soft laugh, brushing her fingers along Azzi’s back. “I know,” she assured. “Lemme go get it.”
Azzi hesitated for only a second before finally nodding, letting her arms fall away as she shifted off Paige’s lap.
Azzi stayed close even as she moved, her fingers lingering on Paige’s wrist before finally letting go. She watched as Paige stood up, stretching slightly before running a hand through her hair.
Paige glanced down at Azzi, taking in the way she was still catching her breath, her skin flushed, eyes heavy. She smirked, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Azzi’s ear. “You good, baby?”
Paige chuckled, shaking her head as she turned toward the closet. “So bossy.”
Azzi hummed, shifting on the bed as she leaned back against the pillows. “You like it.”
Paige didn’t respond right away, but the smile on her face said everything. As she grabbed what she needed, she looked over her shoulder at Azzi. “I do.”
Paige felt Azzi’s eyes on, watching her every move as she pulled her hoodie over her head, letting it drop to the floor before tugging her shirt off right after. Paige smiled as she heard Azzi exhale, making no attempt to hide how intently she was watching.
Paige chuckled, shaking her head. “You good?”
Azzi didn’t answer right away. Instead, she dragged her eyes over Paige’s body, making sure Paige saw exactly where she was looking. “Mhm,” Azzi hummed.
Paige laughed under her breath, shaking her head as she finished stripping off her clothes before adjusting the harness to fit perfectly. When she glanced up, Azzi was already leaning back against the pillows, head tilted slightly, one brow raised, excitement dancing in her eyes.
Paige smirked at the look she was getting. “You got something to say?”
Azzi licked her lips, eyes flicking down before meeting Paige’s again. “Yeah,” she said smoothly
Paige raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. “Wassup?”
Azzi didn’t look away. “I can’t wait to feel you,” she admitted.
Paige’s smile widened as she studied Azzi for a second before getting in the bed. She hovered over Azzi, her eyes warm as she took her in, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She traced her fingers along Azzi’s side before whispering, “I love you, beautiful. Thank you for today.”
Azzi’s expression softened, her thumb gently sweeping across Paige’s cheek. “I love you, P,” she whispered.
Paige leaned down, capturing Azzi’s lips in a slow, full kiss, one that felt more like a promise than anything else. Azzi sighed into it, her arms coming up to wrap around Paige’s head as she melted into her completely.
They stayed like that wrapped up in nothing but each other until Azzi finally pulled back, breathless, her fingers tangling in Paige’s hair. “You can do whatever you want, P,” she whispered, eyes searching Paige’s.
Paige smiled down at her, brushing her nose against Azzi’s before whispering, “This is what I want.
Azzi searched Paige’s eyes, her fingers tracing light patterns along her back. “You sure? It’s your birthday.”
Paige let out a soft laugh, shaking her head slightly before pressing a kiss to Azzi’s jaw. “I’m positive,” she murmured against her skin.
Without another word, Paige captured Azzi’s lips again, kissing her gently but deeply, pouring all of her affection into the moment. Azzi sighed into the kiss, her grip tightening around Paige.
Paige leaned back slightly to adjust the strap so it was angled correctly before she pressed forward, glancing down, making sure Azzi was okay. Azzi’s eyes were fluttered shut, her breaths tight.
“You okay, mama?” Paige asked softly.
Azzi swallowed, nodding quickly. “Mhm.”
Paige brushed a hand down Azzi’s side. “You need a minute?”
Azzi let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. “God, no.” The thought of waiting any longer seemed unbearable, like it might actually ruin her.
Paige chuckled at Azzi’s urgency, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her temple. “Yeah?”
Azzi exhaled shakily, nodding. “Yeah… been waiting all day.”
Paige smirked against her cheek. “I know, baby. You’ve been so good for me.”
Azzi lets out a quiet moan when she feels Paige press into her full. She tilts her head to look at Paige. “Only for you,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Paige traced gentle patterns along Azzi’s side, her touch soft as she started working in and out of her slowly. “I love when you talk like that.”
Azzi smiled softly, reaching up to tuck a loose strand of Paige’s hair behind her ear. “I mean it,” she said, her voice steady despite the way her body trembled as Paige worked into her. “Nobody else, P. Just you.”
Paige’s chest tightened at the sincerity in Azzi’s voice, at the way her eyes held nothing but truthfulness. She leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to Azzi’s lips before whispering, “I know, baby.”
The room settled into a comfortable silence, nothing but their slow, steady breaths and Azzi’s soft moans filling the space. Paige pressed soft kisses to Azzi’s shoulder, her fingertips tracing light, aimless patterns along her waist as she moved in and out of her slowly. She was in no rush, completely content in the moment in letting Azzi soak up the pleasure for as long as possible.
After a while, Paige broke the silence. “You feel so good, baby,” she whispered, her lips brushing against Azzi’s skin.
Azzi let out a shaky breath, her fingers gripping at Paige’s back. “P…” she warned, already struggling.
Paige smirked. “What?” she asked, feigning innocence.
Azzi swallowed hard, her head tilting back slightly when Paige pushed in a little harder than before. “You know what.”
Paige chuckled softly, pressing a kiss just below Azzi’s jaw. “Mmm, I don’t think I do,” she teased. “I was just saying how good you feel.”
Azzi groaned, her fingers flexing against Paige’s back. “You’re trying to make me talk,” she mumbled, her voice already strained.
Paige hummed. “Is it that hard, baby?” she teased, her smirk widening when Azzi only let out a breathy whimper in response. “C’mon, use your words,” Paige encouraged, dragging her lips down Azzi’s throat. “Tell me how you feel.”
Azzi tried—she really did—but all that came out was a soft, incoherent sound. Paige chuckled against her skin, clearly pleased with herself.
After that Azzi tried to hold back, swallowing the sounds that threatened to escape her lips not wanting to give Paige the satisfaction. But as time went on, it became impossible.
“God, P…” Azzi exhaled, her voice breathy.. “You feel so—” Her words cut off as another sharp gasp left her.
Paige smirked, her grip on Azzi’s hip tightening just slightly as she worked into her. “Yeah?” she murmured. “Tell me, baby.”
Azzi didn’t hesitate this time. “You feel so good,” she admitted, her fingers grasping at Paige’s back, nails digging in just enough to leave faint marks. “So good, P.”
Paige groaned softly at that, her body reacting instinctively as she started to speed up. “Yeah?” she pressed, her own breathing growing heavier. “You like that, mama?”
Azzi nodded rapidly, her head tilting back against the pillow. “I love it. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby,” she whispered against her mouth. “So much.”
Azzi whimpered into the kiss, her legs instinctively tightening around Paige. “Don’t stop,” she pleaded softly, her hands pulling Paige closer.
Paige chuckled, pressing her forehead against Azzi’s for a brief moment as she reached down to circle Azzi’s bud. At the adding sensation Azzi immediately starts pressing herself further into Paige letting out breathless moans.
Paige’s gaze softened as she looked down at Azzi, her chest tightening with something deeper than desire.
“You’re so pretty, baby,” Paige whispered, her voice dripping with adoration. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
Azzi swallowed a sigh, her lashes fluttering as she looked up at Paige through hooded eyes. She reached up, threading her fingers through Paige’s hair, tugging gently. “Keep going.”
Paige smirked slightly but kept her voice soft, intimate. “You know I’m not gonna stop, baby,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to Azzi’s lips.
Azzi shook her head, her grip tightening. “No—keep talking to me, P… fuck, please keep talking.”
“I love you so much, Azzi,” she whispered, her breath warm against her skin. “I promise Imma spend the rest of my life making you feel this good. However you want, whenever you want. Anything for you, baby.”
Azzi whimpered at that, her body trembling slightly. Paige kissed her temple, then her jaw, then the hollow of her throat. “You want something, all you gotta do is ask,” she continued, making sure Azzi felt every word as she pushed into her every time she whispered. “I’d give you anything, you know that?”
Azzi nodded rapidly, clinging to her. “I know,” she breathed.
Paige was completely lost in Azzi, her lips brushing against heated skin, her words nothing but breathy promises between them. But then—
Siri’s voice cut through the air like an unwelcome intruder. Paige barely registered it, too consumed by Azzi—by the way she felt, the way she responded to every touch, every whisper. But she did notice the way Azzi’s body tensed slightly, the flicker of distraction in her eyes.
Without a second thought, Paige reached over and declined the call, never once breaking rhythm, never pulling away. “Focus on me, baby,” she whispered.
Azzi exhaled sharply, squeezing Paige tighter, but then—
Paige felt Azzi’s hesitation this time, saw the unspoken questions flicker in her eyes. But before Azzi could say anything, Paige shook her head no. Silently answering any questions Azzi had.
She kissed Azzi’s cheek, then her lips, whispering, “Just me and you, baby. No one else I promise.”
Azzi searched her face for a moment before nodding, fingers digging into Paige’s back as she clung to her. Paige kissed her again, pouring everything into it, silently telling Azzi that nothing—no one—could pull her away from this. From them.
Paige felt Azzi shift beneath her, reaching over to the nightstand. She didn’t stop kissing her neck, just smirked as she asked, “What you doing, mama?”
Paige chuckled, shaking her head as she pressed another kiss to Azzi’s neck. “That right?” she murmured.
Azzi swallowed, steadying herself before bringing the phone to her ear. But before she spoke, she turned her head slightly, whispering, “Don’t stop.”
Paige’s lips curled against her skin. She nodded once. “I won’t.”
And then, with her body still wrapped around Paige’s, Azzi swiped to answer.
The line clicked open, but Azzi didn’t say a word. She let Leah speak first.
“Happy birthday,” Leah’s voice rang through the speaker, like she still had a place here. She must’ve assumed Paige had answered.
Azzi exhaled slowly before responding, her voice coming out breathy, barely above a whisper. “She’s busy.”
There was a pause on the other end, like Leah wasn’t buying it. “Very funny Paige” she said, a hint of skepticism in her tone.
Azzi parted her lips to respond, but before she could get the words out, Paige’s palm pressed down against her stomach as she worked into her faster, making her body arch slightly in reaction. Her breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as a quiet, “Oh my god fuck” slipped past her lips.
Azzi’s grip on the phone tightened as Leah’s voice came through again, but this time the tone was different.
“…Paige?” Leah asked, her voice sounding a little confused, like she was finally starting to pick up on the fact that maybe this wasn’t a joke.
Azzi swallowed, trying to keep her composure, but her breath was still shallow. “I told you…she’s busy,” she said, voice shaking slightly.
Then, through the line, Leah could hear Paige’s voice in the background. “Hang up that shit so I can make you finish for me, pretty girl.”
Azzi’s eyes fluttered at the sound of Paige’s words, and her breath hitched.
Leah’s voice came through, more forceful now. But Azzi struggled to focus, the tension building in her chest. Paige wasn’t letting up, increasing her pace, and Azzi felt herself slipping further. The world was spinning. It was getting harder to breathe, harder to think.
Azzi could barely form the words, her voice strained, but she forced herself to speak. “Don’t… call again,” she managed, her chest tightening with every word.
Before Leah could respond, Azzi pressed the red button and tossed the phone aside, her hands trembling. The moment she let go of the phone the words started tumbling out of her.
"Baby, fuck, please," Azzi whimpers, crying out fully at Paige's thrusts, "right there—yes baby keep doing that, fuck."
Pressing down a little harder on her stomach, Paige speeds up watching as Azzi’s face contorted in pleasure underneath her.
A few seconds later Azzi is letting out a high pitched moan, squeezing her eyes shut and dragging her nails down Paige’s back as she comes undone under her.
Despite this Paige keeps moving her hips into Azzi as she moves her hand back down to circle Azzi’s clit with two fingers and not a few seconds later Azzi is screaming out again, seeing white as she soaks Paige’s stomach and the sheets below them as she scrambles to push Paige out of her.
Paige’s jaw drops as she looks down, the mess between them slowly sinking in. Then a huge grin spreads across her face.
Azzi, barely feeling like she’s in her body, lets out a quiet, “Don’t…”
Paige, knowing Azzi’s warning, just chuckles lightly, her eyes still fixated on the puddle on the bed. “Okay…” she hums, but her gaze doesn’t leave the mess.
Azzi, trying to gather herself, pushes herself up slightly, her voice still shaky. “We’re getting in the shower.”
Paige, gives her a grin and a shrug. “Yup.”
“And you’re changing the sheets.”
Paige’s smile widens, her voice dripping with affection. “Yes, ma’am.”
Azzi, still breathing a little unevenly, chuckles softly. “Good,” she murmurs, resting her head back on the pillow.
“Let’s get cleaned up, beautiful,” Paige says, helping Azzi sit up before throwing her on her back as they make their way to the shower.
